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Islay RNLI assist yacht in difficulty

Lifeboats News Release

On Thursday 05 September at 1.43pm Coastguard UK requested Islay RNLI launch to help a yacht with a fouled propeller in the Sound of Islay.

Islay lifeboat, a large all-weather lifeboat, underway to a yacht. There is white water behind the boat and the background it the paps of Jura, a server of iconic large hills on the opposite island. The weather is sunny with a blue sky.

RNLI/Graham Paterson

Islay RNLI underway to the yacht

Islay RNLI launched the all-weather lifeboat with five volunteer crew on board in calm conditions. The casualty vessel was quickly located within the Sound of Islay and the volunteer crew were able to assess the situation. The decision was made to tow the yacht to the nearest safe and suitable bay, Bunnahabhain, to anchor safely. The yacht crew had the facilities to later dive and check the vessel propeller themselves. Islay's lifeboat crew were then stood down by the Coastguard. The lifeboat returned to the station at 4.30pm where the lifeboat was made ready for service again.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

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